Course Description: A course in linear algebra for students majoring or minoring in the mathematical sciences. The course will introduce both the practical and theoretical aspects of linear algebra and students will be expected to complete both computational and proof-oriented exercises. Topic covered will include: Solutions to linear systems, matrices and matrix algebra, determinants, n-dimensional real vector spaces and subspaces, bases and dimension, linear mappings, matrices of linear mappings, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, inner product spaces, orthogonality and applications.

Prerequisites: MATH 2302 and (3050 or CS 3000) and WARNING: No credit for both this course and the following (always deduct credit for first course taken): MATH 3200

Paper Syllabus (version 2): The syllabus handed out on the first day of class can be obtained at the following link: (syllabus) The information on the paper syllabus is the same as the information on this web page. (version 2 has the correct due dates for the homework sets.) (Note: This syllabus is no longer current: see the revised schedule and revised homework list at the bottom of this web page.)

Textbook Information

Title:

Linear Algebra, 4th Edition

click to enlarge

Authors:

Friedberg, Insel, Spence

Publisher:

Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2003

ISBN-10:

0130084514

ISBN-13:

9780130084514

Calculators will not be allowed on exams.

Special Needs: If you have physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities that require accommodations, please let me know as soon as possible so that your needs may be appropriately met.

Grading: During the semester, you will accumulate points:

Homework Sets (10 Sets, 10 points each):

100 points possible

In-Class Exams (best 3 of 4 exams, 200 points each):

600 points possible

Comprehensive Final Exam:

300 points possible

Total:

1000 points possible

At the end of the semester, your Total will be converted to your Course Grade:

Total Score

Percentage

Grade

Interpretation

900 - 1000

90% - 100%

A

You mastered all concepts, with no significant gaps

850 - 899

85% - 89.9%

A-

800 - 849

80% - 84.9%

B+

You mastered all essential concepts and many advanced concepts, but have some significant gaps.

750 - 799

75% -79.9%

B

700 - 749

70% - 74.9%

B-

650 - 699

65% - 69.9%

C+

You mastered most essential concepts and some advanced concepts, but have many significant gaps.

600 - 649

60% - 64.9%

C

550 - 599

55% - 59.9%

C-

400 - 439

40% - 54.9%

D

You mastered some essential concepts.

0 - 399

0% - 39.9%

F

You did not master essential concepts.

Note that although this grading scale may look easy compared to the usual 90,80,70,60 scale, it is actually not easier. The reasons are:

The letter grades in this course mean the same thing as the letter grades in other courses.

When I grade homework and exams, I give out fewer points. (If you do grade C work on a 20 point exam problem, you will get between 11, 12, or 13 points for the problem. That is, 55% - 69.9%.)

There is no curve.

Course Structure: One learns math primarily by trying to solve problems. This course is designed to provide structure for you as you learn to solve problems, and to test how well you have learned to solve them. This structure is provided in the following ways.

Textbook Readings: To succeed in the course, you will need to read the book.

Suggested Exercises: To succeed in the course, you will need to read the book.

Homework Sets: Ten homework sets will be collected, graded, and returned to you.

Lectures: In lecture, I will sometimes highlight textbook material that is particularly important, sometimes present material in a manner different from the presentation in the book, and sometimes solve sample problems. We have 47 lectures, totaling 2585 minutes. It is not possible to cover the entire content of the course in 2585 minutes, and the lectures are not meant to do that. Lectures are meant to be a supplement to your reading the textbook and solving problems.

Exams: There will be four in-class exams and a final. All exams will be consist of problems based on the assigned and suggested homework exercises.

Attendance Policy: Attendance is required for all lectures and exams.

Missing Class: If you miss a class for any reason, it is your responsibility to copy someone’s notes and study them. I will not use office hours to teach topics discussed in class to students who were absent.

Missing a Quiz or Exam Because of Illness: If you are too sick to take a quiz or exam, then you must

send me an e-mail before the quiz/exam, telling me that you are going to miss it because of illness,

then go to the Hudson Student Health Center.

Later, you will need to bring me documentation from Hudson showing that you were treated there.
Without those three things, you will not be given a make-up.

Missing Quizzes or Exams Because of University Activity: If you have a University Activity that conflicts with one of our quizzes or exams, you must contact me before the quiz or exam to discuss arrangements for a make-up. I will need to see documentation of your activity. If you miss a quiz or an exam because of a University Activity without notifying me in advance, you will not be given a make-up.

Late Homework Policy: Homework is due at the start of class on the due date. Late homework is not accepted.